Our Joe could make dream Manchester United debut

William Watt

Blackpool-born teenager Joe Riley could make his dream Manchester United debut this evening.

The 19-year-old left-back is a surprise inclusion in Louis van Gaal’s squad for the Europa League tie against FC Midtjylland in Denmark.

Joe Riley as a nine-year-old

A decade has passed since The Gazette reported that Joe, who lives in Lytham, had been signed by the Old Trafford club as a nine-year-old after impressing for Lytham Juniors.

The versatile Riley has been a star of United’s U21 side so far this season but could come off the bench for his senior debut tonight.

The former St Bede’s High School pupil was not originally listed in United’s Europa League squad. However, an injury crisis has left Van Gaal short of full-backs and the promising Riley has been included. He can play in either full-back role and in midfield.

His excited mother Derren told The Gazette: “I’m the proudest mum in the world. I’m just blown away for him and the phone hasn’t stopped.”